Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (10 March 2023)

Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Date: 10 March 2023

Q1. With reference to the Raisina Dialogue, consider the following statements:

1. It is an annual geopolitical conference organized in New Delhi.
2. It is jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation.
3. The first edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held in 2012.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The Raisina Dialogue is an annual geopolitical conference organized in New Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs and Observer Research Foundation. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
  • The first edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held in 2016, which makes statement 3 incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a).

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Emissions Trading System (ETS) is the instrument of the US for achieving the goals of lowering carbon emissions.
2. The ETS sets a cap on the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions which can be released from each installation.
3. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism imposes the environmental standards of developed countries on developing countries.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) All of the above

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The EU seeks to achieve 55 per cent lower carbon emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and it wants to be carbon-neutral by 2050. Emissions Trading System (ETS) is the EU’s instrument for achieving these goals. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The EU-ETS sets a cap on the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions which can be released from each installation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism imposes the environmental standards of developed countries on developing countries. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q3. Consider the following statement about Gender Digital Divide.

1. It is inequalities between men and women in terms of access to information and communications technologies.
2. The inequality in access to the internet between genders is most severe in the least developed countries worldwide, with a gap of 32.9%.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

About Gender Digital Divide:

  • Gender digital divide refers to the gap between men and women in terms of access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as the internet, mobile phones, and computers. This divide is not just limited to access to technology, but also includes the ability to use and benefit from technology equally. (Hence option 1 is correct).
  • The inequality in access to the internet between genders is most severe in the least developed countries worldwide, with a gap of 32.9%. The largest discrepancy in internet usage is observed in Africa. (Hence option 2 is correct).
  • Meanwhile, regarding mobile phone ownership, the gender digital divide is most prominent in South Asia, where women are 26% less likely than men to own a mobile phone.

Solution. As both the statements are correct, Hence correct option is (c).

Q4. What is the critical element for availing the higher pension option?

a) Employers must have made PF contributions in excess of the mandatory ceiling of the pensionable salary
b) Employees must have made additional contributions to the Pension Fund
c) The employee must have completed at least 20 years of service
d) None of the above

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Employers must have made PF contributions in excess of the mandatory ceiling of the pensionable salary. Hence a is correct option.

Q5. Consider the following Statements with reference to The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea-

1. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was adopted in 1982.
2. India has been a party to the convention since 2016.

Select the correct Statement(s) using the code given below.

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), also called the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea Treaty, is an international agreement that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.
  • India played a constructive role in deliberations leading to UNCLOS’s adoption in 1982 and has been a party to the convention since 1995.

Hence (A) is the correct option.